Small Molecule Immunomodulators that Target Toll-Like Receptors

【摘要】：The protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interfaces have been regarded as"undruggable"despite their importance in many biological processes. The toll-like receptors(TLRs) provide exciting targets for a number of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, pain management,and cancers. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we have successfully developed novel exogenous small molecule probes that were shown to be competitive inhibitors or activators of various TLRs with high affinity and specificity. Some of the lead compounds are currently in the pipeline for further drug discovery.